Page 95 of The Darkest Note

Desperation makes me stubborn. I was the one who told Zane that I’d get his suspension revoked. Things have spiraled out of control, but I can’t let him down.

My brothers flank me on either side as we walk out of the lobby. I can feel the tenseness in their shoulders and I don’t know if it’s because they’re afraid I might try to jump Dusty or if they’re battling guilt of their own.

As we’re passing the security booth, I get an idea.

Zane slams the car door shut. His lips twisted in a scowl, he mumbles, “I say we come back with a ladder and some blow torches.”

“You plan to burn the place down?” Finn asks.

“If we create a diversion—”

“Damn it, Zane. We’re not arsonists,” Finn reminds him.

“You have a better idea?”

Finn rubs his temples. “Maybe if you’d be quiet, I could think of one.”

Zane scowls at him.

Finn glares back.

I turn to them and start the car.

“Where are you going?” Zane accuses. “Are you just gonna give up?”

“No,” I say.

“Well?”

I don’t feel the need to explain further and my brothers know me well enough to leave me alone when my brain is percolating.

Our truck zooms through downtown as I stop at every ATM I can find. When I’m done, I’ve got a duffel of bills.

Zane eyes the bag at his feet. “You think Dusty would fall for this?”

“He doesn’t seem like the type,” Finn says.

Again I don’t answer.

When we get back to the boot camp, I check my watch.

“Guys, wait for me,” I tell my brothers.

“You don’t need back up?” Zane asks, a hand on the door handle.

I shake my head, grab the duffel and head out into the drizzling night.

After a few minutes with the security guard, I hustle back to my brothers.

Zane grins at me. “I see you came back empty handed?”

“Not quite.” I flash a security pass at my brothers.

Finn’s eyes widen and he snatches it. “Who’s Orville?”

“The security out front.” I glance between the two of them. “He said he’s going off duty in ten minutes. The other guy is always late, so we’ve got about five minutes to get in.”

“Which is where this comes in I assume.” Zane wiggles the pass.